Daily Devotional for Thursday, December 12

The Leaders Recognized Paul's Ministry

"But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles):' Galatians 2:7, 8.

How can you tell if a man is called to the ministry? When I entered the ministry in 1981 at the age of nineteen, I received a certificate of license. After stating my name, it declares the following, "has given evidence that God has called him into the gospel ministry, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ as he may have opportunity and to exercise his gifts in the work of the ministry." My church and pastor had witnessed the evidence of God's call upon my life, and they were willing to officially agree with God concerning my call.

I immediately began to pursue what I perceived to be God's will formy life. I received counsel and leadership from my pastor and other preachers that I respected. I enrolled in seminary and began accepting preaching appointments. I was in the ministry. But was the ministry in me? My pastor could not certify that, nor my church or the seminary. The only real certification could come from God Himself. He did the calling, and only He could confirm it.

What were Paul's credentials? What did the leaders of the church witness in him that gave them confirmation of Paul's ministry? It was not a piece of paper, a voucher from a colleague, nor a degree from a seminary, but rather his ministry was confirmed by God. It was God's effectual working that established Paul as a minister of the gospel. The God that called Paul also equipped him and empowered him. This quality was unmistakable.

A FINAL THOUGHT

Effectiveness in the ministry is dependent on God, for it is God who issues the call,places the burden, and delivers the message. If you have this kind of pastor, follow him as he follows God.

John Nations